Study-Abroad Scholarships Every Indian Student Should Know in 2026

Funding your dream to study abroad can feel like the biggest hurdle that you would come across but for Indian students who are aiming for 2026 intakes, there are several well-established scholarships and funding schemes that can make a world-class degree affordable (or even fully-funded).

This blog summarizes the most important options you should know about, so that you can target easily and also quick steps to strengthen your applications.

Scholarships

•       Chevening Scholarships (UK)

The UK government’s flagship scholarship for future leaders, is offering a fully funded one-year master’s program in the UK. It’s competitive and focuses on leadership potential and work experience. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and requires applicants to have at least two years of work experience and a strong commitment to returning to their home country after the scholarship.

•       Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

These scholarships are funded by the UK for students from Commonwealth countries, including India, to pursue master’s and PhD programs, which is often with full funding options like the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships. Students from eligible Commonwealth countries who meet academic and professional criteria can apply for these Commonwealth Scholarships. It usually covers tuition fees, living allowance, travel and transportation, along with other allowances, depending on the scholarship.

•       Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are administered by the United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF). This Fellowship covers master’s, PhD research and faculty/ professional exchange programmes in the US. The mid-career applicants, students with strong hold in academics and leadership, and research proposals that fit in the US university strengths can apply for this fellowship.

•       Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (Europe)

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree is a multi-university master’s program across Europe which offers highly competitive full scholarships to top applicants worldwide. Its a jointly offered program due to which you can study at two or more partner universities. The European Union provides funding for these programs and it covers tuition fees, living allowance, travel and insurance for the duration of the programme.

•       DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Germany’s DAAD offers a wide range of scholarships to students who want to pursue master’s, PhD, and other short courses, and is particularly strong for research, STEM, and development related fields. Graduates and researchers who aim to study or conduct research in German universities. It can also cover monthly stipend, travel and transportation, medical insurance and tuition.

•       Australia Awards Scholarships

It is a long-term scholarship funded by the Australian government for students from partner countries, with a focus on development outcomes and leadership. India has a dedicated Australia Awards portal. This scholarship is for the students who are from developing countries and are aiming to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degrees in Australia. It covers tuition, living expenses, and travel, and aims to build long-term relationships between Australia and partner countries by supporting “change-makers” who return to their home country to contribute to its development.

•       MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarships

The Japanese Government Scholarship, also known as the MEXT scholarship, is a prestigious program for international students studying in Japan. It includes categories like research, under graduation, masters, PhD and research students and Japanese studies with applications submitted via Japanese embassies or universities.

•       Inlaks, Narotam Sekhsaria & Tata scholarships (India-based funds)

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers highly competitive awards for students admitted to prestigious international universities; the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, which is well-known for its merit-based, interest-free loan scholarships for postgraduate studies abroad; and Cornell University's Tata Scholarship, which supports financially needy Indian students admitted to undergraduate programs at Cornell, are just a few of the Indian foundations that provide important funding for students pursuing education abroad. Before applying for these scholarships, it's important to thoroughly understand their guidelines and application schedules because many have very stringent eligibility conditions, including age limits, course kinds, and financial requirements.

How to choose which scholarships to apply for?

•       Match eligibility: Do not waste time on programs for which you are not eligible (age restrictions, work experience, citizenship).

•       Aim for alignment: Funding bodies value applicants whose goals clearly advance the funder’s mission (leadership, development, research excellence).

•       Apply early and prepare all documents: Standard documents include transcripts, SOP, LORs, CV, test scores and for research awards, a clear proposal.

•       Polish impact statements: Scholarships increasingly ask how your degree will benefit your community, sector or country, so be concrete and realistic about your future goals.

FAQs:

Which scholarships are fully funded for Indian students in 2026?

Chevening, Commonwealth, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright-Nehru, and some DAAD programs offer fully funded options.

 Do I need work experience to apply for study-abroad scholarships?

Some scholarships like Chevening require 2 years of work experience, but many others (DAAD, Erasmus, MEXT) do not.

 Can undergraduate students also apply for these scholarships?

Yes, scholarships like MEXT and the Tata Cornell Scholarship support undergraduate studies.

 Do all scholarships require IELTS/TOEFL scores?

Most English-taught programs need proof of language proficiency, depending on the university and scholarship criteria.

 Can I apply to multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, as long as the scholarship rules allow it and you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time.

 Which are the common documents that are required for scholarship applications?

SOP, LORs, transcripts, CV, test scores, and in some cases, a research proposal.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in Canada, study in Canada, study in UK, study in USA, study in Ireland, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore and many other countries.

Why Students Looking to Study Abroad Should not Panic

 

Students onboard their journey to study abroad were left in a tizzy due to the current pandemic. While it is natural to feel lost it is important to not panic. As India’s leading overseas education consultants, Edwise is the perfect place to receive up-to-date information on the current happenings in the field of overseas education. As your most trusted agency, we ensure that we provide you with a plethora of options and stepping stones in these uncertain times.

Whilst nothing can be compared to the traditional means of education, attending classes in person had its own perks. However, uncertain times call for innovative solutions, and students at their disposal have just that.

Hybrid Classes

Universities across the globe are looking at the hybrid model of education. Meaning students will be met with an amalgamation of online as well as offline classes. Not only does this ensure the safety of students but enhances certain character traits in them. Students who are expected to complete a certain proportion of their classes online can see themselves becoming more independent and committed. 

Measures Undertaken by universities

Universities throughout the world are undertaking measures to ensure that whilst the education prospects of students are not halted their health also remains a priority. Large student gathering is prohibited and students when being attending their classes on campus will be required to adhere to social distancing norms. Certain universities are also offering quarantine facilities to its students. Moreover, the curriculum has also been updated to ensure that it can be seamlessly taught through the online framework. Students are supported through all possible means of support to ensure that their education prospects continue.

What should students do

The number one question on a large number of minds is what are students expected to do. Our biggest advice to students would be to remain calm and continue making applications. With online classes being heavily advocated by universities, one must consider the same since it doesn’t halt the education prospects of students. Those students looking to make an application in 2021 are to remain optimistic since it is expected that the situation may streamline till then. A temporary hurdle is what students are met with this they are urged to make the best out of the situation. With vaccine trials being undertaken on a war footing across the globe, everyone is waiting with bated breath for good news.

Students should undertake the decision of deferring their applications carefully after weighing the impact it will have on their profile. With online classes, students will have immense time in hand to undertake ancillary activities or engage in part-time work which will help them illuminate their application.

Digital learning is going to be the future and students must get with the times and prepare for what lays ahead of them.

Entry Requirements

Taking the current situation into account, universities have undertaken several measures to ensure that the application process of students can be as seamless as possible. Duolingo is being used as a method to test the English language proficiency of students. Moreover, certain application waivers have also been put in place to ensure convenience for students. Certain universities are also offering provisional offers to students, enabling them to submit certain documents at a later stage. Some universities have gone the extra mile and are conducting internal examinations to test the English language proficiency of students. Another novel solution is that some universities are looking at the scores attained in the said subject to determine the eligibility level. It is best that the student gets in touch with us, to receive the latest updates on the specific entry requirements of a university under consideration.

With application deadline likely to get extended students are urged to keep their applications going. Certain study abroad destinations have kept their post-study work rights intact while some are still in the midst of making a decision.

However, at the end of the day whether or not you want to study abroad is a personal decision that you need to undertake after weighing all the pros and cons. Universities abroad along with the assistance of the government are undertaking all the necessary steps to ensure that the needs of international students are protected. It is expected that things will normalize soon. It would be quite detrimental to decide against studying abroad. The best you can do is wait and watch to see how the situation normalizes.

8 Unique Ways of Making Your University Applications Shine

 

Now that you’ve decided to study abroad and have finalized on your university and program of persuasion, it is time to dive into perfecting your student application. University admissions are extremely competitive in nature and having to shine your university application because a must. The more renowned the college is, the more difficult it is to gain admission. You have to make your application stand out in the pool, so that the university picks you. Here are some unique ways that you can make your application shine from the rest. Strong Academic Background This is the most critical element to your university application. Having strong grades is a must have, when looking to study abroad. Make sure that you not only have good grades in the subject of your persuasion, but hold a good academic stance throughout. If you are expected to work towards a predictive grade do everything in your power to make sure that you reach the same. 

Work Experience The second most crucial aspect to making your application stand out, is having the requisite work experience. If it happens to be in the area of your study it will be a huge bonus point. Having work experience shows initiative on your part and speaks volumes about your application. It shows to the admissions committee that you have what it takes to study in a foreign land. For a student to step out of their academic life and jump into the pool of professional responsibilities is no easy task. If you made the effort of putting yourself out of your comfort zone, the admissions committee has a reinstalled sense of belief that you will be able to do so again when you decide to study abroad. Having a heap of responsibilities thrown at you, shows to the university that you can juggle with multiple tasks at hand and have the sense of maturity to work in a team. Social Work Apart from the academic and professional sphere, universities also look for volunteering experience. It speaks to your attributes of working for the society and highlights traits of hard work, social responsibility and benevolence. Thus, a volunteering experience shows that you care as much for the society as you do for yourself. 

Language Whilst English is the most spoken language and majority of the courses are conducted in the said language. Having knowledge of another language speaks to your memory skills, perseverance and cultural empathy. Being able to understand the local language will allow you to mingle with the locals, making it easy for you to communicate and undertake networking activities. Since you will be interacting with students from all over the world, your communication skills need to be top-notch, all of which knowing an additional language will teach you. Recommendation Letters Letters of Recommendations are important components of your application procedure. 

Make sure to get recommendations from those professors who will speak highly of your attributes. It is important that you get a recommendation from such a professor that has taught you for a significant amount of time. Universities are very specific about the kind of recommendations they require, make sure you adhere to the same. Extra-Curricular Activities For an overseas education it is becoming increasingly important to not just focus on your academics, but to also give equal importance to your extra-curricular activities. Universities abroad want to admit a holistic candidate. This means, gone are the days where students were required to only have good grades. Along with a strong academic background, it is important that you participate in other activities. This harnesses your communication skills and at the same time also allows you to have a greater world view. 

Research Tailor make all of your applications. Be specific about the college and let them know that you have done your research. Speak about why you wish to study at that university and undertake that program specifically. Go the extra mile and show the university that you have undertaken the necessary efforts to study there. This shows that you’re truly interested to study from there. Don’t exaggerate Lying on your application is a big no. Don’t exaggerate about things you haven’t undertaken. Be true to yourself and let the university understand what your interests and passions are.

Skills studying abroad helps you acquire

 

The experience a student has when they decide to study abroad is hard to encapsulate in a few points. Apart from the quality of education imparted the social implications are profound. As a student looking to study abroad, there are certain skills that one must expect to learn.

The process of attaining education abroad is a bag of mixed emotions, the excitement and nervousness all come as a part and parcel of the overall experience. However, as a prospective international student, there are certain aspects that you must consider.

The experience you have in a foreign country is much more than the education you attain, there are certain skills that also get harnessed in the process. You must ensure that you capitalize on these opportunities that will enable you to have a fruitful experience abroad.

Communication

One of the major benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to get to interact with international students. Interacting with students from all corners of the world will enable you to hone your communication skills. Tackling all these barriers will help increase your confidence and you will come out as an enhanced student. An important trait that a significant number of employers look for in their candidates is the ability to communicate effectively. Once it brought to light that you have attained an education abroad, the confidence that an employer has in your skills automatically increases.

Networking

A part and parcel of your communication activities is your networking experience. The connections you make at the university level go a long way in the future. Interacting with the faculty as well as with alumni will help you later. Make sure to forge these connections, because when you dive into the professional sphere yourself, these may come in handy.

Cultural Acceptance

Respect and appreciation of other’s culture have become the need of the hour. With an increasingly globalised nature of the market, students are expected to become global citizens. And there is no better way to become a global citizen than to be in a global environment, and education abroad provides you just that. When you study abroad you become increasingly aware of several communities which enable you to hone your skills.

Adaptability

Being away from your loved ones, and being in a foreign land yourself is an excellent way to enhance your skills. Since you have put yourself out of your comfort zone, you will be expected to enhance your adaptability skills. Being in a foreign country enables students to become independent and diligent. Someone who is used to having things done for themselves will find it an arduous task to be by themselves, however, education abroad is all about that experience. Becoming flexible in your approach will come in handy in your professional endeavours.

Problem Solving

Since you have decided to study abroad you will be expected to fend for yourself. Which means you become responsible for your own actions. Therefore, when a problem strikes it will become the need of the hour that you find a solution for the same. Thus, working for the same, it is natural that your problem-solving skills will get enhanced.

Team Work

When at a university abroad, students are expected to deal with a significant task at hand. These tasks in many cases usually include assignments. In some cases, these assignments may be individual or in some cases may require you to work in a group. Working in a group enables you to harness your team-building skills. This also teaches you that apart from considering one’s own perspective it becomes equally important that you also consider an opposite person’s perspective. Exchanging ideas, put your points across the table and coming up with a range of creative solutions to a problem at hand are skills you learn. Therefore, when working in a team, you are preparing yourself for the professional environment where you will be expected to work with a diverse group of people at hand.

At the end of the day, an education abroad allows you to assess your own strength and weakness and teaches you to work on the same. It also enables you to understand your own capabilities all of which will go a long way in your future endeavours.

 

 

Scholarships at the World Education Fair

The World Education Fair organized by Edwise (India's Leading Overseas Education Consultants) assists you to meet with internationally renowned University Representatives.

Delegates from Top Universities will be present here, for ON –THE – SPOT Offers, interaction, admissions and will offer scholarships and application fee waiver for complete applications. Scholarships will be given to Meritorious applicants.

Student queries about courses, visa, scholarships, loans etc will be answered by these delegates. For More Information Visit Us @ www.worldeducationfair.com

Scholarships, financial aid and fee waivers are awarded to international students on the basis of merit and need. Candidates with strong academic records, good scores in standardized exams and extracurricular achievements will be eligible for scholarship, awards and financial assistance.

Many scholarships are available that can reduce the cost of your program. Students are often overwhelmed by the costs of tuition fees but equally unaware of the various of scholarships available to good students to study abroad. Over 300 students received part/ full scholarships through Edwise for courses commencing in 2014. Scholarships ranging from 5% - 100% of the total tuition fees amounting to over Rs. 5 crore have been awarded to deserving Edwise students.

Chandrika Dhariwal (Bournemouth University - UK), Alvan D' Souza (Fanshawe College - Canada), Rutuprasad Sagariya (University of Queensland – Australia), Susan Abraham (University of Canterbury – New Zealand), Sheetal Saini (Curtin - Singapore) and Vinit Jhawar (Hult International Business School – USA) received scholarships and commenced their studies in 2014.

 

Countries Participants in World Education Fair are UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland.

Read More About Scholarships at the World Education Fair and Universities Participating in World Education Fair